Let’s talk about a family name you’ve probably heard: DeVos. They’re known for politics, yachts, and serious cash. But how did they actually get that rich?
Spoiler: It’s not a boring story. It involves a door-to-door hustle, a revolutionary idea, and a whole lot of pyramid-shaped controversy. Buckle up— this is juicy.
The Man With a Briefcase and a Dream
It starts with Richard DeVos and his buddy Jay Van Andel in the 1950s. These guys were classic American grifters— in the best possible way. They started by selling nutribiotic food supplements from the trunk of a car.
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Imagine knocking on doors with a bottle of vitamins and a smile. That was their whole business model. But they wanted more than chump change.
Then came the masterstroke: multi-level marketing. They didn’t invent it, but they perfected it. They founded a company called Amway.
The Amway Machine
Amway stands for “American Way.” It’s a door-to-door empire of soaps, vitamins, and cleaning products. But the real product? Recruiting other sellers. You sell, they sell, and you get a cut of their sales. And their sales. And their sales.
It’s like a legal pyramid scheme— critics call it a cult. Devos didn’t care. He just wanted everyone to join the party. By the 1970s, Amway was a billion-dollar beast.
DeVos Family expands their wealth, thus allowing them to increase their
Fun fact: The DeVos family almost bought the New York Yankees in the 1970s. They passed. Imagine that alternate universe.
The Political Power Play
Money isn’t just about stuff— it’s about influence. The DeVos family poured cash into conservative causes. Richard DeVos bought the NBA’s Orlando Magic in 1991. That’s a fun toy.
But his son, Dick DeVos, ran for governor of Michigan. Lost. Then his daughter-in-law, Betsy DeVos, became U.S. Secretary of Education. That’s how you turn soap money into a cabinet seat.
Quirky detail: Betsy DeVos once said she’s “not a big fan of public schools.” She promoted school vouchers— which is a fancy way to reroute tax money to private schools. Controversial? Yes. Lucrative for her network? Absolutely.
The Tax Bill That Made Them Billionaires
Here’s the punchline: The 2017 tax bill. The one signed by Donald Trump. It directly benefited the DeVos family’s private jet, their yachts, and their massive estate in Michigan.
DeVos Family expands their wealth, thus allowing them to increase their
They own a 140-foot yacht named “SeaQuest.” And a private golf course. And a house so big it has its own zip code. Kidding— but it’s 40,000 square feet.
How’s it connected? Their wealth is tied up in estate taxes and corporate loopholes. The tax bill slashed those. The DeVos family saved millions— overnight.
Funny, Weird, and Totally Bonkers Facts
Richard DeVos once wrote a book called “Hope From My Heart.” It’s full of motivational quotes. One of them: “The only thing wrong with capitalism is that not enough people are capitalists.” Right. Great advice if you’re a billionaire.
They also funded a $15 million yacht club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because why not have a place to park your boat among the cornfields?
Big Education Ape: Inside Betsy DeVos’ Billions: Just How Rich Is The
And get this: The family’s net worth is estimated at $5.4 billion. That’s more than the GDP of some small countries. They could buy a small island nation. (They haven’t. Yet.)
The Philanthropy Spin
They give away money too— but with strings attached. The DeVos Foundation donates to Christian schools, conservative think tanks, and arts programs. Always with an agenda.
For example, they gave millions to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. That group fights “cancel culture” on college campuses. Convenient, right?
But here’s the kicker: They also funded a massive art collection featuring glass sculptures. Because nothing says “we’re down-to-earth” like a $1 million chandelier in your lobby.
Why This Story Is So Much Fun
It’s a classic American tale: Two guys, a car trunk, and a dream. Then a multi-level marketing empire, a basketball team, and a seat at the Cabinet table. It’s like a board game where you roll a six every time.
Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation sunsets | wzzm13.com
The best part? They’ve turned soap into a political dynasty. Every time you buy a case of Amway laundry detergent, you’re funding a yacht. Not literally— but kind of.
And that’s what makes it fascinating. The DeVos family story is a masterclass in making money— and then using that money to reshape the world in your image. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ve got to respect the hustle.
The Final Quirky Fact
Richard DeVos once had a heart condition so severe he needed a heart transplant in 1997. He got a new heart and lived another 21 years. He died in 2018 at age 92.
His last words? Probably “Have you heard about our great opportunity?” Just kidding. But you never know with this family.
So next time you see a politician with a last name you recognize, ask: How did their family get that rich? The answer is always stranger and more entertaining than you imagine. The DeVoses? They turned a dream into a dynasty— one soap bottle at a time.